Learn more about the signs and symptoms of presbyopia and how your local Edmonton optometrist can help you.
Believe it or not, your eyes work like an elastic band to focus on the images you look at. Think of it this way, the lens flexes depending on what you are viewing. An item in the distance results in the muscle around the lens relaxing. Just the opposite happens when you look at something close up. The muscle constricts. As you age, the lens of your eye becomes less flexible. In turn, seeing becomes harder as images will look out of focus.
No, you are not experiencing an unnatural change in your sight. Quite the contrary. What you noticed is called presbyopia, and it is entirely natural. There is nothing to fear. With the help of your eye care team at Optometrists’ Clinic, not only can you treat presbyopia, but you can see clearly again with the right vision correction. Signs and Symptoms You Might Need an Eye Exam for Presbyopia Presbyopia is a naturally occurring condition that people generally notice after age 40. Even if you never had to wear glasses before, you may need them now. Here are a few symptoms and signs to look for:
You have to move reading material to arm's length. You might find that you are playing a little trombone just to read a book, newspaper, menu, or your smartphone!
You need to turn on more lights to read. Having good lighting is essential to relieving eye strain. With presbyopia, you will notice that you need much brighter light to read than you did before.
You have to increase the font size on your computer or phone. Besides pushing your smartphone away from you to read, you may have decided to increase the font size.
Doing detailed, near-distance tasks are much harder to see. Not only is reading harder, but your favorite hobbies may prove more difficult. You might notice dropping more stitches when you knit or having trouble soldering delicate electronics together.
Your vision blurs, or you get dizzy or develop headaches. While reading or engaging in detailed work, you may notice that images become blurry, or the eyestrain brings on a headache.
3 Possible Treatments for Presbyopia
Once you have booked an eye exam with your Edmonton optometrist, there will be three possible treatments to consider:
Eyeglasses: Probably the most common treatment, being fitted for eyeglasses with progressive lenses by a qualified optician can restore your sight quickly. Lens options include progressive, bi-focal, and reading glasses.
Contacts: If you do not like wearing glasses, then contact lenses may be a good option for you. You can be fitted for multifocal lenses in gas permeable or as a soft lens. You may also opt for monovision contact lenses.
Surgery: For those who want to avoid both glasses and contact lenses, an operation may be an option. Procedures include corneal inlay implant, LASIK, or refractive lens exchange.
Enjoy 20/20 Vision with Help from Optometrists’ Clinic in Edmonton Regain your visual acuity when you seek out a team of trusted eye doctors at Optometrists’ Clinic. After a thorough examination, we will discuss your options and work with you to find the best choice for your lifestyle. Give your vision the best care. See your optometrist 1-2 times a year and seek the help of your optician to get the best fitting lenses. Schedule your eye exam with the experts at Optometrists’ Clinic, Inc. Whether you choose new glasses or contact lenses, we have a variety of fashions and options for your needs. You may also fill out our online contact form for more information.